Sheffield Wednesday: Why Carlos Carvalhal is happy Glenn Loovens is back in the fold

Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal is pleased to have centre-half Glenn Loovens back in the fold following a lengthy injury lay-off.

Loovens made his long-awaited Owls return in their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Birmingham City last weekend. It was the experienced Dutchman’s first competitive outing since the Championship Play-Off Final.

Loovens underwent ankle surgery in July, a knock which prevented him from taking part in any of Wednesday’s pre-season programme.

Despite recently playing three times for the development squad, the former Celtic and Cardiff City defender looked a little rusty at St Andrew’s and played Lukas Jutkiewicz on-side for the Blues late winner.

Carvalhal told The Star: “Glenn felt a little tired in the last 10 to 15 minutes but during the game he was the player that we know. He gave us a lot of balance and quality.”

Wednesday will be seeking to tighten things up at the back after conceding 10 goals in their last six outings when they take on Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough on Saturday.

“We will try to correct the mistakes we are making during the week,” admitted Carvalhal.

“We must continue to do our work, try to do better offensive efficiency in the next games and the things that are natural will come to us. We are playing very good football on the pitch, we try to press the opponent and try to create clear chances to goal.

“We are frustrated but not unhappy and we are proud of the players and their attitude.”

The Portuguese chief hopes Daniel Pudil (thigh) and Lucas Joao (groin) will be available for selection against a Forest side who have yet to win on their travels during the 2016/17 season.

Carvalhal said: “They don’t have big injuries. I think they will recover soon.”

Sam Hutchinson, who has been switched from central midfield to centre-back this campaign, could line up against one of his former clubs after serving a one-match suspension.